Twins decline options on Santana, Morrison

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Twins informed right-hander Ervin Santana and first baseman Logan Morrison that their options will not be exercised for the 2019 season, the club announced on Tuesday. Both veterans struggled with injuries in '18 and will receive $1 million buyouts.

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Twins informed right-hander Ervin Santana and first baseman Logan Morrison that their options will not be exercised for the 2019 season, the club announced on Tuesday. Both veterans struggled with injuries in '18 and will receive $1 million buyouts.

Santana, who was signed to a four-year, $55 million deal before the 2015 season, had a $14 million club option for 2019. Morrison inked a one-year, $6.5 million deal before last season that carried an $8 million club option.

Santana, 35, made just five starts with the Twins last season, posting an 8.03 ERA in 24 2/3 innings. He underwent surgery to remove calcium deposits from his right middle finger before the season, but he suffered complications and setbacks after the operation. Santana is expected to pitch in the Dominican Winter League this offseason to show clubs he's healthy.

Santana had success in Minnesota, compiling a 3.68 ERA in 85 starts, including a strong 2017 season that saw him named as an All-Star for the second time in his career. He went 16-8 with a 3.28 ERA in 33 starts while leading the American League with five complete games and three shutouts. But he also missed the first half of the '15 season after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug.

There's a slight chance the Twins have interest in bringing back Santana on a lesser deal, but he's likely to sign elsewhere this offseason.

Morrison, 31, hit .186/.276/.368 with 15 homers, 13 doubles and 39 RBIs in 95 games last season after a breakout 2017 with the Rays that saw him hit a career-high 38 homers. He dealt with a left hip issue throughout the year and ultimately underwent season-ending surgery in August.

Morrison is expected to miss part of the 2019 season after the procedure, which could limit his options this offseason. Minnesota likely wouldn't be interested unless he returned on a Minor League deal.